Stairs are structures designed to bridge a large vertical distance by dividing it into smaller vertical distances. They connect different levels of a building, providing access to various floors and the roof. A big thank you to the person who designed the first staircase. Imagine climbing up and down on a rope from one floor to the other like Tarzan or sliding up and down on a pole to reach different floors.

Staircases are more than just a means of vertical movement; they have been culturally, artistically, symbolically, and historically significant. In old Hindi films, stairs were used to create an important narrative. The stairs leading down to the living room were a sign of affluence. The hero or the villain regally walked down the curved staircase, which was divided into two halves, with a landing between the two sets of stairs. It was a show of strength, an expression of who controls the power in the house.

The stairs of the Jama Masjid in Delhi have played an important role in the culture and political life of the city. They have held an important place in the history of the Indian subcontinent. During the revolt of 1857 and the independence movement, these stairs became a symbol of communal harmony. In 1919, Swami Shraddhanand called for unity among communities against the British rule at these very steps. The iconic 1947 speech of educationist and nationalist leader Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was delivered from the steps of the Jama Masjid. He was trying to dissuade the people from moving to Pakistan during the Partition of India. The art of Dastangoi(storytelling) is said to have developed at the steps of the Masjid.

 Stairs that go nowhere at Jantar Mantar, Delhi.

Varanasi is said to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The ghats of this holy city, along the Ganges River, hold a deep spiritual significance. A series of steps descends to the riverbanks. They are constructed from sandstone, limestone, and marble, materials that can withstand the seasonal rise and fall of the river. 

Staircases can be made of various materials and shapes. Spiral staircases are space-efficient as a circle takes up less space and is easier to fit than a square. I find the curved, wrought iron spiral staircases very beautiful. Imagine instead of the balcony, Juliet standing on the top rung of a beautifully designed spiral staircase, shadows of the staircase falling on the wall, creating a beautiful backdrop.

Romeo professing his love: “It is the east, and Juliet is the sun,” or “O, that I were a glove upon that hand, that I might touch that cheek.”

Not all iron staircases are good-looking. Some are made just for their utility and convenience. Durable staircases are essential in commercial spaces where high foot traffic and safety are primary concerns. Strong materials and a reliable design are critical in these situations.

Staircases have evolved naturally in response to the need for vertical movement. Humans need to move between different levels of terrain or access elevated areas. Steps made from natural materials like stone or wood integrate organically into the landscape.

Ross Island, in the Andamans, once occupied by the British, is one of the preserved heritage sites of India. This staircase, covered by the roots of huge trees, made me travel back in time. 

Staircases have evolved from a basic means of vertical movement to architectural focal points.

A poem on stairs by Emily Krauss-

Straight stairs
Spiral stairs
Broken stairs
Crooked stairs
These are some of the stairs in my life that I try to climb daily

My eyes stare
at the stairs
ahead of me

And all that comes to mind
is climbing
to the top of the stairs

For I see each stair
as a goal of mine
that I need to complete

Stairs
There are lots and lots of stairs in my life
just like the million and billions of stars in sky
One day I hope to conquer all of the stairs
while the music loudly blares
And when the stairs are conquered
I have a hope
That I will be able to fly

Stairs

Straight stairs
Spiral stairs
Broken stairs
Crooked stairs
These are some of the stairs in my life that I try to climb daily
And one day hope to conquer

Photos and content by Prerna Jain.